The world of training is experiencing real changes that are leading it to modify and integrate new learning formats. Blended learning or hybrid training is a mixed system that combines distance education e-learning and face-to-face training. This new device is increasingly used to increase learners' skills and boost their productivity. In 2020, 74% of companies that deployed training courses already used training Blended Learning depending The ITSF. But how do you evaluate blended learning training?
Step 1: Plan the evaluation early on in the project
The evaluation is not started at the end of the project. It must be thought out before the training.. Indeed, some key data can only be collected at the beginning and middle of the process. If this data is missing due to lack of time or planning, it will be difficult to assess learners' progress. At best, it will be possible to say that the learner will have reached a certain level of knowledge without showing real progress. Training objectives should be considered taking into account their evaluation.
Actions to be put in place:
- Plan the evaluation phase in advance of the project
- Gather the level of knowledge and skills in all phases of the project: before, during and after the training
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Step 2: Use Donald Kirkpatrick's approach
Donald Kirkpatrick's approach is a reference in the evaluation of training plans traditional. It can be very suitable for evaluating a type of training Blended Learning. The approach is divided into 4 levels of assessment:
- Level 1: Reaction
What is the satisfaction of the learners? The purpose of this level is to assess learners' satisfaction. They should give their opinion on the relevance of the training in relation to their current position and indicate their degree of involvement through a questionnaire..
- Level 2: Apprenticeship
Have the learners acquired new skills and enriched their knowledge in relation to the training objectives? This level allows you to measure the evolution of learners' knowledge, skills and behaviors.
- Level 3: Transfer
Do learners apply their new knowledge and skills to their work after the training? Level 3 allows you toanalyze the effective implementation of new knowledge. It can be promoted by setting up coaching or tutoring programs.
- Level 4: Results
To what extent did the training allow for new behavior or new work habits? It is a way for the company to derive the ROI of training, the concrete results brought by the training. This is reflected, for example, in improving the results of the company that commissioned the training.
These 4 levels make it possible to evaluate blended learning training in depth.
Action to be implemented:
- Use Donald Kirkpatrick's approach to assess blended learning training using the 4 in-depth assessment phases
Step 3: Analyze the facts
In parallel with the analysis of the evolution of learners' knowledge, to assess a blended learning training factual data must be analyzed. This data can be collected on the LMS platform and/or within the information system.. Factual data can be for example completion rates, connection times, scores achieved by The learners or even participation rates.
The evaluation criteria must be defined at two levels: for trained employees, but also for training managers.
The health crisis has turned the professional world upside down. Training courses are constantly evolving. Training and assessment systems must be flexible and agile to adapt to an unstable context.
Actions to be put in place:
- Evaluate factual data using the LMS and/or the information system
- The evaluation criteria must be defined at two levels: for trained employees, but also for training managers.
What to remember
- The evaluation is not started at the end of the project; it must be considered before the training.
- Evaluating blended learning training means considering training objectives by taking into account their evaluation.
- Donald Kirkpatrick's approach is a reference when it comes to evaluating traditional training plans. The approach is divided into four levels of assessment:
- Reaction: What is the satisfaction of the learners?
- Apprenticeship Have the learners acquired new skills and enriched their knowledge in relation to the training objectives?
- Transfer: Do learners apply their new knowledge and skills to their work after the training?
- Result: To what extent did the training allow for new behavior or new work habits?
- LMS platforms are a great way to gather factual data.
- The evaluation criteria must be defined at two levels: for trained employees and for training managers.
